Ellie took the hand mirror and gasped.

"Is that me?" she said. Of course she knew it was her, but the transformation was remarkable.

Indeed she had started the day in rough black covered in ash and was now clothed in velvet, her face shining like a brand new penny. Ellie had never imagined herself looking like this. It was something like a dream. Years ago, when Ellie had complained about having to wear a worn frock, her mother had said outward appearance was not as important as what was inside a person, and she was grateful for Ellie's gentle heart and kind nature. Now it would appear that her outward appearance matched the inside. Emotion welled up in Ellie like water filling a bucket that was too small, and it overflowed out her eyes in the form of tears.